SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Plein Air Festival wrapped at the end of August with record attendance and community engagement.

Over six days, 40 artists from across the country painted the Adirondack landscape in real time, capturing everything from misty mountain mornings to busy village streets. The “Quick Draw” competition brought energy to the streets as artists raced to complete framed works in just two hours. The “Paint the Town” silent auction offered a chance to bid on unique works created during the festival, with 50% of proceeds going back to Saranac Lake ArtWorks to support their year-round programming. The festival culminated in a Show & Sale at the Harrietstown Town Hall, where over 100 original paintings found new homes.

The festival’s preview party highlighted an impressive range of artistic talent selected by Awards Juror Beth Bathe. Kari Ganoung Ruiz received first place for her piece “Perfect Pool” and was also honored with the Artist’s Choice Award, a distinction voted on by fellow artists. Lynn Lewis, a Maryland-based painter, earned second place for “Tucker Farms” and won the nocturne contest with her work “Olive Street II.” Additional award recipients included Jim Laurino, Durre Waseem, George Van Hook, Tarryl Gabel, Robin Roberts, Jerry Russell and Karen Cooper.

Plans are already underway for the 2026 festival, August 17-22, 2026. For more information, visit saranaclakeartworks.org or contact admin@saranaclakeartworks.org